**British Siblings Tragedy: Two Children Die After Being Swept Out to Sea in Spain**
Police in Spain have confirmed the deaths of two British siblings, aged 11 and 13, who lost their lives after being caught in powerful currents at Llarga beach in Salou, near Tarragona, along the north-eastern coast of Spain. The incident, which unfolded on the evening of Tuesday, July 29th, has led to an outpouring of grief both locally and back in the United Kingdom.
According to reports from the Catalonia Civil Protection agency, emergency services were called to the scene shortly after 8:45pm following distress calls from beachgoers. Despite the swift arrival of rescue teams, including local police, paramedics, and firefighters, the children could not be revived. Medical professionals attempted resuscitation efforts at the water’s edge, but tragically both the boy and girl were pronounced dead at the scene.
It is understood that the siblings, holidaying with their family, were swept away by a sudden, strong rip current — a hazard that can be difficult to spot but extremely dangerous even for experienced swimmers. Their father, who bravely entered the water in an attempt to save them, was also caught in the current. He was eventually rescued by emergency crews and taken to hospital, reportedly suffering from exhaustion and having swallowed a large amount of seawater.
In the immediate aftermath, teams of psychologists and support workers were dispatched to provide assistance to the bereaved family as they grappled with the loss. The father’s current health status remains critical but stable, according to local press, as he continues to receive medical care following the traumatic incident.
During a press briefing held the following day, Jose Luis Gargallo, head of the Salou local police, clarified earlier reports that had mistakenly identified the victims as two brothers. “There were three people in distress: a father with his son and daughter, all of British nationality. Both children, aged 11 and 13, showed no signs of life when brought ashore. Despite attempts to administer CPR, nothing could be done for them. The father, while severely fatigued and having ingested water, was ultimately saved thanks to the rapid intervention of emergency services,” Mr Gargallo explained.
A spokesperson for the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) offered condolences and confirmed ongoing support for the family. The statement read, “We are providing assistance to the family of two British children who have passed away in Spain and are in close contact with local authorities to offer support where needed.”
This tragedy comes amid a spate of recent deaths involving British tourists in southern Europe, highlighting growing concerns over the safety of holidaymakers as summer progresses. Only this month, multiple deaths have been reported in resort areas, including the passing of two young Scots at a hotel in Ibiza and two men from Ipswich who drowned in a Portuguese swimming pool.
As the summer holiday season continues and thousands of British families travel abroad, safety experts and local officials are urging the public to remain vigilant about water conditions at beaches and resort swimming areas. Often, hazardous currents can develop quickly, particularly in unfamiliar coastal environments, underscoring the importance of observing safety warnings and swimming within designated zones.
The tragic loss of the two siblings has cast a pall over the popular holiday spot of Salou, with both locals and tourists expressing condolences and solidarity with the grieving family. The incident serves as a sombre reminder of the unpredictable risks presented by the sea, even in well-patrolled areas.
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the drownings are ongoing as authorities work to establish a full picture of the events leading up to the tragedy. In the meantime, the community continues to rally around the affected family, with support services remaining in place in the days that follow.